XEL-HA AQUATIC PARK, MEXICO – WHERE NATURE AND ADVENTURE MEET

Xel-Ha, a huge natural lagoon, is difficult to describe to the uninitiated. Is it a water park, is it an aquarium, is it a theme park, is it nature at its most beautiful? It’s all of these and more. Found south of Cancun and just north of Tulum on the coast of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, it’s a place we’ve found ourselves returning to each time we’ve visited the area. A place where you can zipwire into the lagoon, swim in a cool cenote, go cliff jumping as parrots fly overhead, do an obstacle course across the water, snorkel, spot wildlife or just relax in a hammock. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a brilliant day out and a highlight of our Mexico vacation. I’ve no doubt we’ll be back as opening in July 2017 is the new lighthouse with 4 x 30 metre waterslides. We saw this being built on our recent trip and were already talking about returning to try it out even as we were there, it looks amazing! You can watch the video about it here.

You spend the whole day at Xel-Ha and it is set up to make your visit hassle-free. All food and drinks are included so you can pause to catch your breath and refresh whenever you want. I’m sharing our absolute favourite things to do:

10 THINGS WE LOVE TO DO AT XEL-HA

CLIFF JUMPING

The Cliff of Courage has legendary status in our family. My daughters absolutely love it. 5 metres high they leap off it again and again …. and again. This year there were 2 cliffs of courage – joy! If you don’t fancy jumping yourself, it’s fun to watch others take the leap of faith.

INFLATABLES

After cycling through the jungle, or taking the little road train if you don’t fancy cycling, you arrive at the head of the mangrove river from where you can climb into an inflatable and float down the slow moving water or you can snorkel the river’s route. Look out for the crabs in the mangroves on the way!

SNORKELLING

As a natural lagoon, Xel-Ha is open to the sea and there is plenty of marine life to see as you snorkel around the park. This year we saw stingrays too. Look out for the fishy flags showing the best snorkelling locations. Snorkels and fins are provided to borrow free of charge.

A favourite of ours is Chuc Kay’s rope swing. You swing out over the river, let go and land in the cool waters of a cenote. So much fun and even little ones can do it.

CENOTES

It gets hot in the Rivera Maya and the refreshing, crystal clear waters of cenotes are the perfect place to cool off. There are plenty of cenotes at Xel-Ha, some full of bird life and fish and some for swimming in.

OBSTACLE COURSE

My children love crossing the lagoon on the ropes and obstacle courses – it’s so much harder than it looks!

ZIPWIRING

Zipwiring across the lagoon and landing with a splash in the water at the end is huge fun for all ages. Swim to shore then take a different zipwire back!

As you walk around Xel-Ha you’ll notice iguanas, coati and agoupi crossing your path. We love the coati – so cute! Tropical birds, parrots and bees can also be seen.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

You can choose to pay extra for a range of additional activities from zipcycling to swimming with dolphins, manatees or rays, snuba and seatrek. There is also a jet boat ride, not for the fainthearted as it turns 360 degrees and powers along at high speeds!

RELAX

After an action packed day you can grab a hammock and just watch the world go by. There is a children’s playground and you are spoilt for choice with many trails and gardens and beautiful spots by the lagoon to relax and enjoy the stunning views. For non-swimmers there is plenty to do around the lagoon, or grab a life jacket and have a bob around in the refreshing waters.

As well as these faves we love the wobbly bridge, the jungle walkways and the stunning views across the lagoons. Turn a corner, you’ll come across a sculpture, or a hammock park or a refreshment stop or a band playing music.

Xel-Ha is a day out filled with adventure, nature, fun and exploration, whether on top or under the water and of course, the wonderful Mexican water. Enjoy!

PRACTICALITIES

Xel-Ha is one of the best organised parks I’ve ever been to. Immaculately maintained and with great visitor systems.

OK so I’m just agreeing with everyone else really, just wow! This really is the ultimate day out for an outdoorsy family. The best of both worlds with nature, space and beauty on the one hand but all the Adrenalin and thrill of the activities on the other. My teens would adore this as would I.

That park looks amazing. I get really put off most water parks as they are crowded and chloriney. It seems like so much thought has gone into Xel-ha so you can experience nature and have a great time splashing about. One for the Mexico list for sure. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

What a fun place. Not sure I could get up the courage for the cliff jumping though. Watching sounds fun though.
I think relaxing in the water or the hammocks is more my speed. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard

That post brings back so many good mmemories! I was in Cancun with two girlfriends last year and we decided to visit Xcaret, from what I read here it seems to be pretty similar to Xel-Ha tho. Definitely a day I’ll never forget 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard

Hi Jo – Glad to see you back on #TheWeeklyPostcard! And we love this post! We debated going to Xel-Ha on our last Cancun trip, but decided against it in the end. The adverts made it look a little too “theme park” – but this looks awesome! Super helpful. Thinking our next trip will be all about Xel-Ha and Tulum. And maybe margaritas. 😉 Thanks for sharing!

Goodness, looks like loads to do there! My action-loving boys would love it. Not sure if we’ll be visiting that part of Mexico on our big trip, but it could inspire us to detour for a day or two! #MondayEscapes

All About Jo

Thank you so much for stopping by 'Where Jo Goes'. I love chatting about all things family friendly travel related whether it be holidays, vacations, staycations or days out. I'm always interested in hearing about other people's travels and that inspired me to share some of my own whether they be 5 minutes away or 5000 miles away.